Part of the Strong Film Community in Oregon

After graduating from WWHS in 1977, Bruce Lawson '77 attended the University of Oregon. Since then he has been working in Film Production for 25 years and makes his living as a Key Grip. Bruce continues to live and work in the Portland area and is "happy to be working with both of my brothers, Brian '79 and Brent '79," adds Bruce. His brother Brent is his Best Boy Grip and brother Brian is the Dolly Grip. Bruce adds, "We work with many Wilson graduates in the film community here." He is currently working with Brent Lawson '79 Best Boy Grip, Brian Lawson '79 Dolly Grip, Don Baldwin '75 Locations, Greg McMickle '73 Propmaster, Mark Haleston '73 Transportation, and Sean Kennedy '78 Art Dept on Twilight, a feature film being shot in Portland in February, 2008.

"The arts are such an important part of a healthy society. I am glad that I have been able to make a living in an artistic field and that I have been able to stay in Oregon. The fact that I am able work with my brothers and raise my family here is very important to me. I have been very involved in Oregon's incentive program to bring film work to Oregon. My wife, Sherilyn, is a graduate of Beaverton 1977 and she is a working actor. We are pleased to be part of the strong film community here."

Despite a busy work schedule, Bruce still finds time to fit in some acting around town. Recent performances include: Peter Pan and The Tavern - Portland Civic Theatre; Peter Pan - Pixie Dust Productions; Man of LaMancha - Lakewood Theatre; and Urinetown and Floyd Collins - Stumptown Stages.

During high school Bruce enjoyed theatre at Wilson, where he performed in many shows: Carnival, Anastasia, Anything Goes, Time of Your Life, HMS Pinafore, The Tavern, Much Ado About Nothing, and Camelot under the direction of Julie Accuardi, drama teacher. Check out a few photos from high school: Bruce Lawson and Steve Groth In The Tavern; Bruce as Lancelot in Camelot; Jill Peterson as Guinevere and Bruce as Lancelot in Camelot; Time Of Your Life L to R: Corky Miller, Bruce Lawson and Ben Whiteley; and Bruce as Tom in Time of Your Life.

"I owe so much of who I am today to Julie Accuardi, she was a major influence in my creative life," adds Bruce. Julie loves to stay in touch with her students and enjoys hearing about their successes and current projects. "Bruce is a wonderful talent," states Julie. "He can sing and act, but also direct, build sets, and run a company. He is also one of the kindest people in the world. When I was in rehearsal for Camelot the second time, Bruce just showed up in the auditorium and went to work finishing up odd jobs that needed to be done. I didn't even have to ask him. He just saw what was needed and did it. I was happy to see him. He saved us! I am so happy that he continues to work in film, and can't wait to see Twilight."

Bruce was also in choir all four years at Wilson and Ensemble for his senior year, under the direction of Merle Lotz. When asked about influences at Wilson, Bruce is quick to point out that "the two most inspirational teachers of my years at Wilson would have to be Julie Accuardi and Merle Lotz.

Read more about Bruce and his body of work.

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